Rhythm Collision, “Collision Course” (Dr. Strange/Collision, 1997; original recording 1989-97)Here, in one place, are most of the singles of a first-rate singles band. Like their models (Generation X, Buzzcocks, Dickies), L.A.’s Rhythm Collision crafted mid-‘60s-ish pop tunes, then packed ‘em with punk rock dynamite to explode on impact. Super-dynamic rhythm section too, drawing on hardcore […]
Rhythm Collision, “Girl With The Purple Hair”/”Ready?” (Collision, 1993)This single by the melodic L. A. punsters finds them at their most manic and explosive.B/1 really sounds like Generation X, if they ever played with the dynamism of the MC5 and the raw ferocity of Black Flag: great. A/1 is hot, too.1/11/11
Rhythm Collision, “Holiday” (Collision, 1993)Another single from these Buzzcocks/Generation X-influenced hook-punk-meisters, excellent if not quite up to their best. A/1 is the best, really dynamic and complex, though the others are also rockin’.1/11/11
Rhythm Collision, “Too Long” (Dr. Strange, 1995)Late ‘80s/early ‘90s L. A. stuff that was either way ahead or way behind the times. This is classic pop-punk (think Buzzcocks, Descendents and especially Generation X) delivered in a treble-crazed power-trio style reminiscent of the early Who if they drank ten gallons of Dr. Pepper.B/1 is best, but […]
Rizzo, “Phoning It In” (Sympathy, 2001)A brilliantly one-of-a-kind thing, and one of the true great lost indie records of the ‘00s. Rizzo was two girls from L.A., drums guitar and vocals. Picture a midway point between the ragged-but-right minimal strum-beat-pop of the Pacific Northwest (Beat Happening, All Girl Summer Fun Band, etc.) and the whip-smart […]
Parasites of the Western World, “Politico,” 7” (Criminal, 1979; DeStyl reissue 2012)Early PacNorthwest postpunkers, with a twinkly, Keyb-heavy twitchiness that might’ve sounded futuristic then but comes off likably archaic today.Try A/11/23/14
Ray Parker Jr., “Greatest Hits” (Arista, 1982)Two years too early for “Ghostbusters,” but that’s just as well – that classical novelty might have distracted from the laid-back yet yard-driving vibe of Parker’s work. An open-minded journeyman at home in FM rock, Funk, electro-disco and proto-quiet-storm modes, he was a quintessential figure in r&b’s ‘70s-to-‘80s transition.Try […]
Paul Chastain, “Hal” (Pet Sounds, 1985)This guy made somewhat of a name for himself with Velvet Crush in the ‘90s, but for some reason this EP ended up in total historical oblivion, which blows, because it’s an absolutely perfect work of power-pop/jangle-pop alchemy, like a missing link between “Black Vinyl Shoes” and “Chronic Town.” Drums […]
Paul Revere And The Raiders, “Greatest Hits” (Columbia, 1967; original release 1963-67)Speaking of preposterous, here’s one of the last great old-school rock-and-roll novelty acts, cranking out chunky garage-rock tuneage in vintage Georgian-era attire as if they were facing a squadron of Redcoats rather than a horde of teen-lust-addled Tiger Beat subscribers. The thing was, not […]
Peach Kelli Pop, “III” (Burger, 2015)Title nod to Led Zep notwithstanding, they/she haven’t gotten that much heavier. This is more garage-punk-pop, its blend of twee/treble-buzzy/hard-driving/hummable seeming familiar until you realize nobody else really touches all those bases at once in such a distinctive/signature style.Try 1, 6, 88/16/15